Cathy Engelbert to Retire as WNBA Commissioner at Year-End

Cathy Engelbert will conclude her tenure as WNBA commissioner at the end of this year, as announced by the league. She has held this position since 2019, becoming the first commissioner in the league's history.

During her time, Engelbert facilitated the addition of six expansion teams, managed two collective bargaining agreements, and navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Under her leadership, the WNBA introduced the Commissioner's Cup and secured a $75 million capital raise, contributing to the league's growth.

Engelbert's tenure also saw the WNBA become the first women's professional league in the U.S. to provide charter flights for all teams and expand the regular season schedule. However, her leadership faced criticism, particularly regarding player relations and safety issues. As she prepares to step down, Engelbert expressed confidence in the league's future and indicated that both internal and external candidates are being considered for her replacement.